The Black Dahlia

JP with Jaxx, Redsword, Trustno1 and Cindy

Grisly Murder Shocks Los Angeles: "Black Dahlia" Case Takes a Sinister Turn

January 17, 1947, Los Angeles, CA — The discovery of the mutilated body of 22-year-old Elizabeth Short, now grimly nicknamed the "Black Dahlia," continues to baffle authorities as new, unsettling details emerge. The victim, whose bisected and blood-drained body was found in a vacant lot on Norton Avenue just days ago, has ignited widespread horror and speculation across the nation. But recent developments suggest this case may not only be one of murder—it may involve something far more chilling.

Mysterious Symbols Found at the Scene

Investigators revealed today that peculiar symbols were found etched into the dirt near where the victim’s body was discovered. These marks, initially dismissed as random disturbances, have been tentatively identified by local folklorists as resembling ancient sigils used in occult rituals. Captain Jack Donahue, leading the investigation, declined to elaborate on their precise nature but acknowledged their "potential relevance to the case."

"We cannot yet confirm if these markings were left by the perpetrator or if they hold any significant meaning," Donahue stated. "However, every lead is being thoroughly examined."

The symbols have sparked intense curiosity among experts in esoteric practices. Professor Walter Greaves, a scholar of the occult from Pasadena College, described them as being "eerily similar" to signs associated with pre-Christian rites meant to summon or banish malevolent forces. "These marks suggest someone with more than a passing familiarity with ancient mysticism," Greaves noted, adding that their placement near the victim’s body "cannot be a coincidence."

A Dark Obsession

Friends and acquaintances of Elizabeth Short have painted a picture of a young woman fascinated by the unusual and mysterious. Former roommate Jean French recalled that Short had a keen interest in occult-themed novels and frequently attended palm readings and fortune-telling sessions. While many saw this as harmless curiosity, authorities are now questioning whether her interest may have led her into dangerous circles.

Adding to this theory is an anonymous letter sent to the Los Angeles Examiner, reportedly written by the killer. The letter, pieced together from magazine clippings, includes cryptic phrases such as "the blood calls" and "she opened the door to darkness." Police have neither confirmed nor denied its authenticity but acknowledged it is under forensic review.

Witness Reports of Strange Figures

Compounding the mystery, several residents in the vicinity of Norton Avenue have come forward with eerie accounts of unexplained occurrences in the days leading up to the murder. Mrs. Eleanor Haines, a retired schoolteacher, claimed to have seen a group of individuals dressed in dark robes gathered near the vacant lot on the night of January 14th.

"I thought they might be some sort of theater troupe," Mrs. Haines told reporters. "But the chanting … it wasn’t English, and it sent shivers down my spine."

Another witness, a delivery driver named Arthur Mills, reported seeing a pale, gaunt man near the site hours before the body was discovered. According to Mills, the man was muttering to himself and appeared to be carrying a bundle wrapped in black cloth. "It gave me the creeps," Mills said. "I’ve never seen eyes like his."

The Public Reacts

Public outrage and fear continue to swell as details of the case dominate headlines. Parents are keeping children indoors, and local churches have reported an uptick in attendance as citizens seek solace amidst growing unease. Editorials in major papers have called for swift action, while rumors of supernatural involvement have begun to circulate in hushed tones.

Meanwhile, detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of evidence over speculation. "This is a time for clarity, not hysteria," Captain Donahue implored.

A City on Edge

As the investigation unfolds, the Black Dahlia case has already cemented itself as one of the most macabre and enigmatic crimes in Los Angeles history. Whether rooted in human depravity or something far more unexplainable, the truth behind Elizabeth Short’s tragic death remains shrouded in shadow.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department immediately. For now, the city waits, its collective breath held in anticipation of answers that may yet deepen the darkness surrounding this harrowing crime.

Alyssa relayed the pertinent information from the clipping to the team. "I will research the case more later but I do know the Black Dahlia murder is pretty infamous. There's been documentaries, movies and books about it. It's still unsolved."

Agent Powers gave Alyssa a smolder and asked, "Black Dahlia? Is that a female named Dahlia and Afro-American?" Ekaterina elegantly raised an eyebrow at Agent Powers and shook her head no. Then she replied, "Actually Elizabeth Short, nicknamed as the Black Dahlia, was an American woman found murdered in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, back in January 15, 1947. Her case became highly publicized owing to the gruesome nature of the crime, which included the mutilation and bisection of her corpse. Her case has been unsolved this whole time." Agent Powers gave Ekaterina a smolder and then nodded as he replied, "Oh...... that makes sense. Lot of murders go unsolved every year. Ironically I am the cause of a lot of criminals being killed in the past." Ekaterina smirked as she said, "You really get around Mr. Powers."

"Now I wonder if that....um... thing," Alyssa pointed towards the creature that had just been holding the note, "was just a messenger." She took a breath. "What's the likelihood we're supposed to solve a murder from the 1940's?"

Agent Powers gave Alyssa a smolder and replied, "Are you saying we just killed a supernatural mailman? Now that I think about it, we have run into a lot of supernatural stuff together, even more than I have when I was working solo. I think I get why my father assigned me to you Alyssa. You are like a magnet for the supernatural, but don't sweat it. I'll protect you regardless." Ekaterina raised an eyebrow at Agent Powers and sighed as she said, "Mr. Powers I get what you meant but it came off a little mean." Agent Powers cocked his head to the side and replied, "Oh my bad. Sorry Alyssa."

Alyssa shrugged off, "Thanks, Ekaterina but I wasn't offended. Truth is truth. And yes we might have killed a supernatural mailman, but not much to be done about it now. I suppose." Alyssa responded. "Anyway, let's continue on, shall we?"

"Already committing felonies, Powers? What are we going to do with you?" said Sung in a joking tone. "What is more important is the paper and the 1940s murder. With the things going on, they are connected somehow. I am sure everyone here knows that. And Mr Powers, I would not talk about skeletons of the past. They have a way of coming back and finding you," suggested Sung.

"Let's continue down the next hallway," said Sartre as they reached the landing of another set of apartments. A faint beeping like on a television could be heard.

"Everyone watch for more zombies." Said Sartre.

"Alyssa; while we walk can you look up something on the Black Dahlia murder case of Elizabeth short on your Illuminati intranet? I'm pretty sure the Internet is down in this building." said Sartre.

"I'd rather do that after we get out of this place." Alyssa had said she'd do that back at the RV, but right now getting out alive seemed more of a priority.

"Anyone hear that beeping?" asked Sartre.

"Beeping?" Alyssa asked, "Where's it coming from?"

Agent Powers then said, "Maybe it's a smoke alarm with bad batteries?"

"We could not be that lucky." commented Sung, looking and listening.

Agent Powers gave Sung a smolder then replied, "You say that but I have seen it happen a few times. Oddly it made it easier to sneak up on the drug lords."

"I'd rather not find out if it's something less benign than a smoke alarm." Alyssa stated. "Let's go."

Sung waited for people to start moving and followed.

As the group continued walking, the beeping noise kept resounding from the different doorways. It almost sounded like it was something off of a television.

"I think we are going the wrong way?" suggested Sung, looking as he turned toward the sound.